We’ve added an update to our Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 lens review. This lens has gone through a few things since it launched. There were added firmware updates along with bringing it to Nikon Z mount. But the latest firmware update is for Sony E mount lens owners. It provides an autofocus boost to the lens that you didn’t even know you needed. In fact, we were originally perplexed by what this lens could’ve needed because, as it is, it’s so incredibly good.
Here’s the updated text from our full review of the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 lens review. To see the full review, you can click here. Check it out too if you’re interested in buying one. Then, when you’re ready to make a purchase, we’ve got your link right here.
Update October 2023
In October of 2023, Tamron issued a firmware update for the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 for Sony E mount cameras. The update is designed to provide an autofocus speed boost. That’s a fascinating update for anyone who owns and uses this lens — because it’s already very fast. Since purchasing this lens, it’s mostly the only lens that I’ve used for serious work on Sony E mount. I own the Sony a7r III, which, in my opinion, is still one of the best cameras that the company has made. But since then, I’ve used it on various newer cameras from Sony. Each and every time that I’ve brought it out, it’s always performed as well as one of Sony’s own G Master lenses.
But with this new update, Sony shooters are getting an even faster lens. How much faster? Well, I’m not sure that most people would notice the difference unless you were highly trained.
This new update is designed specifically for tracking autofocus updates. And that’s probably perfect for most Sony shooters. These days, most Sony photographers I encounter use AF-C and wide-area AF on their cameras at all times. They don’t even bother with other settings. So if you’re doing this, you’ll see the largest difference come with target acquisition.
If you’re tracking a subject moving, then you’ll see it with the consistency of the tracking at the longer end. Our tests were done in cloudy, mid-afternoon lighting.
Years ago, we encountered a representative from Sigma that told us that autofocus woes should be blamed on the camera manufacturers when talking about 3rd party gear. But I’ve consistently never seen that to be the problem with Tamron lenses. Sony partially owns Tamron, that’s true. But Tamron’s slower lenses are slow across the board while their speedy lenses run like well-oiled machines across different mounts. That’s very evident with this lens coming out for Nikon Z mount as well.
In summary, we still think that this has to be one of the best lenses on the market.